Updates
Kashish

Google AdSense Now Auto-Fills Unfilled Ad Slots Here’s How It Works

Google AdSense Now Auto-Fills Unfilled Ad Slots Here’s How It Works

If you’re seeing unfilled ad slots on your site, you’re not alone. Until now, those blank spaces simply meant lost revenue. But with AdSense’s latest update, that’s changing.

Google has introduced a new feature called “Fill empty in-page ads” and it’s designed to help publishers make the most of every ad space, even when no ad is available.

What’s Changing?

When AdSense can’t find an ad to serve, instead of leaving the space blank, it will now show contextually relevant suggestions based on your page content.

For example:  

  • If your page is about baking, AdSense might show suggestions like “baking utensils” or “cake recipes”.
  • If a user clicks on one of these suggestions, they’ll see a dialog box with display ads relevant to what they clicked giving you a chance to earn even when no direct ad was available at first.

This isn’t just filler content. These suggestions are interactive and lead to real monetization opportunities.

Do I Need to Enable It?

No. Google is automatically enabling this setting for all AdSense publishers over the next 30 days. You don’t need to make any changes for it to start working.

How to Opt Out (If You Prefer Not to Use It)

If you’d rather keep your unfilled ad spaces blank, you can turn this feature off in your AdSense account.

Steps to opt out:  

  1. Sign in to your AdSense account
  2. Click Brand safety
  3. Click Content, then Blocking controls
  4. Click Manage Ad serving
  5. In the “Display ads” section, turn off Fill empty in-page ads

Why This Matters for Publishers

Here’s what this means for your site: 

  • Protects your revenue: You now have a chance to earn from ad spaces that would’ve otherwise stayed blank.
  • Improves user experience: The suggestions shown are related to your content, not random or disruptive.
  • Zero setup required: If you’re already running AdSense, this just works.

Should You Keep It On?

In most cases, yes. If your site often has low fill rates or you’re in a niche with inconsistent demand, this can help smooth out your earnings.

But if your brand experience depends on strict layout control or you prefer to keep your ad experience minimal, you have the option to turn it off.

What This Means for Your Revenue

AdSense’s new feature is a small but smart step toward reducing revenue loss from unfilled ads. By giving publishers a fallback option without requiring any changes it’s another way Google is trying to improve monetization behind the scenes.

If you notice changes in your revenue or new user interactions with ad areas, this update could be why. Keep an eye on your reports and test what works best for your site.

Read the official announcement from Google

Want Higher CPMs Across All Formats?

If you’re looking to go beyond incremental AdSense improvements and want a unified setup that increases fill rates, CPMs, and demand access across Web, App, and CTV, Magicbid can help.

Whether you already run AdSense or use multiple platforms, our team helps publishers optimize every part of their stack without over complicating the setup.

Reach out at support@magicbid.ai to explore what’s possible.

Fill Rate

If you’re not making the most of your ad space, you’re leaving money on the table.

MagicBid helps web, app, and CTV publishers maximize revenue with smarter ad placement and optimization tools.

  • Web Monetization: Get better ad visibility, higher engagement, and more revenue from every impression.
  • In-App Monetization: Connect with premium advertisers to effortlessly boost fill rates and eCPMs.
  • CTV Monetization: Deliver high-quality, tailored ad experiences that keep viewers engaged and advertisers paying more.

With MagicBid’s advanced ad tech and expert support, you can turn your traffic into higher earnings without the guesswork.

Connect with us now to get a free ad revenue evaluation.

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Updates
Kashish

Google Search Chief Explains How AI Is Changing Search and Ads

Google Search Chief Explains How AI Is Changing Search and Ads

Liz Reid, Google’s Head of Search, recently spoke about how the company is moving into the AI era and what that means for how we search, what results we see, and how ads will show up in the future.

From AI Overviews to voice and Gemini, she broke down what’s changing in search and how it affects what people see and click.

We’re already in the AI search era

Reid started by saying this clearly: Google has already entered the AI era. This isn’t new, it’s just more visible now.

“We are in the AI search era, and have been for a little bit.”

She explained that Google has been using AI for years (like BERT and MUM), and now tools like AI Overviews and AI Mode make it easier for users to get full answers directly in Search

AI isn’t replacing search — it’s making it better

Some people think AI and traditional search are separate. Reid disagrees.

“It’s not AI or search. AI helps search do what it always wanted to do.”

That includes organizing all kinds of content across the web and giving people better answers, especially for complicated questions.

The Way People Search Is Evolving

Reid said people using AI Mode ask longer, more detailed questions often 2 to 3 times longer than regular search queries.

This helps Google understand exactly what someone wants and can also help advertisers show more relevant ads.

Ads are coming to AI Mode — but not everywhere

Google is starting to show ads inside AI-powered results. But Reid made it clear that ads won’t be everywhere.

“We don’t think we should just show ads no matter what. We should show them when they’re high quality and relevant.”

Right now, the focus is on learning what works. Ads will show up where it makes sense especially when people are clearly looking to buy or compare things.

AI Overviews are increasing searches, not reducing them

Despite what some people think, Reid said AI Overviews are leading to more search activity not less.

“We’re seeing a 10% increase in those types of queries in the US and in India.”

In other words, when Google shows helpful AI answers, people keep exploring and not drop off.

Search, Gemini, Voice it all works together now

Reid said Google isn’t picking one way to search it’s giving users multiple options that all work together. You can type a query, ask with your voice, get an AI answer, and still see links if you want to dive deeper.

That’s the idea behind Search Live, a new feature powered by Gemini. It lets you move between voice, AI answers, and traditional web results in one place.

“The user is always right… They should come to whatever tool they find most useful,” Reid said.

Whether it’s Google Search, Gemini, or Maps Reid said it doesn’t matter. What matters is giving people the info they need, in the format they want.

SEO still matters

Reid was clear: good SEO is still important. Make your content easy to find, understand, and helpful.

“SEO is neither a strictly bad or good word… But you can have great SEO, and then you can have [people] trying to game the system.”

Google is still focused on fighting spam and low-quality tricks and says spam in search results is still under 1%.

Not everyone is ready for AI — and that’s okay

Some users still prefer regular blue links. That’s fine.

Reid said Google made AI features optional for a reason:

“Probably everyone in the world is not going to be ready for exactly the same thing at exactly the same time.”

If you like AI, use AI Mode. If not, Search works the same with AI Overviews added in where helpful.

Why this matters

If your business relies on Google traffic or paid search, Reid’s comments show how fast things are changing.
What ranks, what gets clicked, and how ads are shown are all evolving.

AI Overviews, Gemini, and voice-based search aren’t just new features they’re a sign that Google’s becoming more contextual, more personalized, and more selective about what appears on top.

What this means for publishers and advertisers

For Publishers:  

  • AI Overviews may answer some queries directly so your content needs to be clear, direct, and trustworthy to get picked.
  • Search isn’t dying but how people search is changing.
  • Expect fewer clicks for simple answers, but new traffic from people who want to go deeper.

For Advertisers:  

  • Longer queries = more intent = better targeting.
  • AI Mode ads are starting to roll out but expect different formats, placements, and behavior.
  • Relevance is key. Ads that match the question will perform better.

Search is changing fast and AI is part of every step. But it’s not either/or. Whether users type, talk, or tap, Google’s goal is to deliver the right answer and the right ad in the right format.

Reid’s message is clear: adapt to how people ask questions today, and how Google now answers them. That’s where the opportunity lies.

Source: Liz Reid’s interview with Semafor

Need help adapting to AI Search?

Even with AI Overviews and changing search behavior, publishers can still win with the right setup, structure, and monetization. Reach out at support@magicbid.ai

Fill Rate

If you’re not making the most of your ad space, you’re leaving money on the table.

MagicBid helps web, app, and CTV publishers maximize revenue with smarter ad placement and optimization tools.

  • Web Monetization: Get better ad visibility, higher engagement, and more revenue from every impression.
  • In-App Monetization: Connect with premium advertisers to effortlessly boost fill rates and eCPMs.
  • CTV Monetization: Deliver high-quality, tailored ad experiences that keep viewers engaged and advertisers paying more.

With MagicBid’s advanced ad tech and expert support, you can turn your traffic into higher earnings without the guesswork.

Connect with us now to get a free ad revenue evaluation.

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Updates
Google Now Includes AI Mode Traffic in Search Console Report
Kashish

Google Now Includes AI Mode Traffic in Search Console Report

Google Now Includes AI Mode Traffic in Search Console Report

Google Now Includes AI Mode Traffic in Search Console Report

Google just confirmed a quiet but important update: Search Console now counts AI Mode traffic in your performance reports.

That means any clicks and impressions from Google’s AI-powered search experiences including AI Overviews and interactive follow-ups are now bundled into your existing data.

Here’s what’s changed, how it works, and what publishers should do next.

What Is AI Mode?

Google’s AI Mode is part of its generative search rollout. It builds on AI Overviews by giving users more detailed, multi-step answers  breaking queries into parts and searching across them in parallel (a process called “query fan out”).

This mode creates new, more dynamic paths for users to land on your site but those clicks might not look the same as traditional search results.

What’s New in Search Console?

 As per Google’s updated changelog:

Data from AI Mode is now counting towards the totals in the Search Console Performance report. That means AI-generated search interactions are now tracked in your performance metrics without being broken out separately.

Here’s how it works:

  • Clicks: If a user clicks a link to your site from AI Mode, it’s tracked as a normal click.
  • Impressions: If your link appears or can be seen, it’s logged as an impression using the same visibility rules as regular search.
  • Position: Rankings are calculated the same way as carousels or standard blue links.

If a user asks a follow-up question, Google treats it as a brand-new query and all engagement with that answer is tracked accordingly.

You Won’t See AI Mode Separately

Here’s the key detail: AI traffic isn’t segmented out. It’s included in the “Web” search type inside your Performance report, alongside traditional search queries.

This means:

  • You won’t see a separate “AI Mode” filter.
  • Spikes or shifts in metrics might reflect changes in how users interact with AI results not your regular rankings.

So… Will This Traffic Be Better?

Google says traffic from AI Mode tends to be “higher quality” users who click through are more informed and more likely to stay on the page.

That might be true, but there’s no way to confirm it right now. Without a separate report type, you can’t isolate AI Mode traffic or its impact on bounce rate, session duration, or conversions.

What Should Publishers Do?

The good news: You don’t need to do anything technical to be included in AI Mode.

No special markup.
No new schema.
No “AI files.”

Google says existing SEO best practices still apply especially:

  • Clear, structured content that answers the query directly
  • Snippet-friendly formatting (lists, subheadings, bolded answers)
  • Fast load times and good UX

You can still control how content appears in AI snippets using standard settings like nosnippet, max-snippet, or noindex.

Pro Tip: Watch Your Metrics Differently

Now that AI Mode is blended into your Search Console totals, here’s how to adapt:

  • Look for unusual shifts in click-through rate (CTR) or impressions that don’t match your rankings.
  • Track branded vs. informational queries AI Mode is more likely to surface your site for longer-form, question-based queries.
  • Use third-party analytics to cross-reference session time and bounce rate especially for content likely to appear in AI Overviews.  

This change is subtle, but significant. It signals that Google’s AI integrations are no longer experimental they’re becoming part of the “normal” search pipeline.

Publishers should:

  • Monitor metrics with this in mind
  • Keep optimizing for clarity and depth
  • Be ready for more blended traffic sources going forward

As AI-powered search continues to evolve, understanding where your clicks come from  and how users land there is becoming just as important as ranking itself.

Fill Rate

If you’re not making the most of your ad space, you’re leaving money on the table.

MagicBid helps web, app, and CTV publishers maximize revenue with smarter ad placement and optimization tools.

  • Web Monetization: Get better ad visibility, higher engagement, and more revenue from every impression.
  • In-App Monetization: Connect with premium advertisers to effortlessly boost fill rates and eCPMs.
  • CTV Monetization: Deliver high-quality, tailored ad experiences that keep viewers engaged and advertisers paying more.

With MagicBid’s advanced ad tech and expert support, you can turn your traffic into higher earnings without the guesswork.

Connect with us now to get a free ad revenue evaluation.

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Updates
Kashish

Google AdSense Adds RAFs: Major Policy Shift for Search Partners Explained

Google AdSense Adds RAFs: Major Policy Shift for Search Partners Explained

Starting August 25, 2025, Google is launching a new set of rules for AdSense for Search  Restricted Access Features (RAFs). If you’re in the business of search arbitrage, this update could directly affect how your pages perform and how much you earn.

RAFs include tools that many arbitrage publishers use today to increase clicks and revenue. These tools will no longer be available to everyone. Instead, you’ll need to be approved by Google to keep using them.

If your account doesn’t meet Google’s new criteria, you’ll still be able to run ads but with limits that reduce your control, tracking, and layout options.

What Are RAFs and Why Do They Matter?

RAFs are advanced features inside AdSense for Search that give you more control over how search ads appear and perform on your site.

Here’s why they’re important for arbitrage publishers:

  • You can add your own keyword suggestions (instead of letting Google choose them)
  • You can show multiple ad units on the same page, increasing earning potential
  • You can customize how the ads look fonts, spacing, icons, layout
  • You can track which ad positions get the most clicks
  • You can create detailed reporting channels to monitor and optimize performance

Starting August 25, these features will only be available if your account is marked as “Qualified” by Google. If you’re not qualified, your ad setup will become much more basic and harder to optimize.

Who is eligible?

To be given access to RAFs, accounts must:

  • Have access to AdSense for Search in the AdSense interface.
  • Work with their Google AdSense account manager to confirm/request access.

What Counts as Strike and How it Affect Account RAF's Eligibility

Google is introducing a strike-based system to determine how long you can retain or lose access to RAFs.

  • 5 minor policy violations = 1 strike
  • 1 egregious policy violation = 1 strike

Once you receive a strike, your account goes through the following stages:

First Strike → Probation
If you get your first strike, your account moves to Probation for 90 days. You’ll still have full RAF access during this time, but your setup is under review.

As long as you don’t get another strike during the probation window, you’ll return to Qualified status. But if a second strike comes in that same period, RAF access is gone for good.

Second Strike → Restricted
A second strike (within two years) will shift your account to Restricted status for 90 days. That means you temporarily lose all RAF privileges.

If no new strike is added during those 90 days, you’ll be reinstated as Qualified. But one more violation during this time, and RAFs are permanently revoked.

Third Strike → Revoked
If you receive a third strike within two years, your account is marked as Revoked. This is permanent.

Even if the violations are later resolved or removed, your RAF access won’t be restored. Once revoked, the account can’t qualify again.

Expunging Strikes  

Strikes don’t stay on your account forever unless you reach Revoked status. If your account goes two full years without receiving a new strike, all previous strikes are automatically removed, and your strike count resets to zero.

But if your account reaches Revoked status, this reset does not apply. You won’t be able to regain RAF access, even after the two-year period.

What Can Trigger a Strike?

Strikes are issued for policy violations tied specifically to RAFs. This includes:

  • Acquiring traffic from misleading sources, such as fake job ads or unrealistic promises
  • Displaying more ads than search results, or irrelevant/no content on the page
  • Deceptive layouts, like arrows pointing at ads or “Click here” prompts
  • Poor ad placement, where the Related Search unit dominates the page or encourages accidental clicks
  • Misreporting ad creatives, e.g., changing the upstream message shown to users vs what’s sent to Google

Google considers some violations egregious, including:

  • Unrealistic or manipulative claims (e.g., free cars, guaranteed jobs)
  • Pretending to be a recruiter or business you’re not
  • Pages with nothing but an ad unit
  • Obscured or hidden content
  • Large-scale setups that hurt advertisers or mislead users 

For more details on what policy violations are in scope and how egregiousness is defined, visit Policy violations in scope for Restricted Access Features (RAFs).

Need help adapting to Google’s latest changes?

Whether you’re running search arbitrage or exploring new monetization models, MagicBid can help you stay compliant and profitable. We work with publishers to review setups, fix policy risks, and protect long-term performance.

For questions, support, or a policy safe review of your pages, email us at support@magicbid.ai

FAQ

Your RAF status will be visible in your AdSense dashboard once the update goes live on August 25. If you work with a Google account manager, they can help explain your current standing.

Only active or unresolved violations as of August 25, 2025 will count. Successfully appealed or removed violations will not be factored into your RAF status.

You’ll be limited to one Related Search unit per page, lose most styling controls, can’t track clicks, and your custom reporting channels will be replaced by generic ones.

No. Once revoked, your account permanently loses RAF access even if violations are resolved later.

Fill Rate

If you’re not making the most of your ad space, you’re leaving money on the table.

MagicBid helps web, app, and CTV publishers maximize revenue with smarter ad placement and optimization tools.

  • Web Monetization: Get better ad visibility, higher engagement, and more revenue from every impression.
  • In-App Monetization: Connect with premium advertisers to effortlessly boost fill rates and eCPMs.
  • CTV Monetization: Deliver high-quality, tailored ad experiences that keep viewers engaged and advertisers paying more.

With MagicBid’s advanced ad tech and expert support, you can turn your traffic into higher earnings without the guesswork.

Connect with us now to get a free ad revenue evaluation.

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Updates
Kashish

Google Discover Now on Desktop: What It Means for Publishers

Google Discover Now on Desktop: What It Means for Publishers

After years of testing, Google is finally rolling out Discover to desktop and for publishers, that’s big news. Until now, Google Discover has mostly lived on mobile.

If you use the Google app or visit Google.com on your phone, you’ve probably seen it a personalized feed of articles, news, and videos based on your interests. For publishers, this feed has been a major traffic source. Now, it’s headed to desktop.

What’s Happening?

Google confirmed at the Search Central Live event in Madrid that Discover is expanding to desktop search.

That means logged-in users visiting Google.com on desktop will soon start seeing a Discover feed, similar to what’s available on mobile.

This update wasn’t just quietly rolled out. Slides were shown at the event, and several experts like Clara Soteras and Gianluca Fiorelli posted about it on X. SEO consultant Brodie Clark also confirmed it’s already live for some users in Australia.

Why This Matters

This isn’t just another feature tweak. Here’s why publishers should care:

1. More Exposure

Discover on desktop means more eyeballs. Desktop users often spend more time per session and engage differently with content. Now, your articles can reach them right on Google’s homepage.

2. Traffic Potential

Until now, only mobile users saw Discover. With desktop added, the potential reach could nearly double. And that means more traffic for news, trending topics, and fresh content.

3. No Search Required

Discover is not dependent on user query. If your content is relevant to the user’s interests, it can appear proactively rather than waiting for user to type something into Google. As a result, content strategy goes beyond traditional SEO.

4. User Behaviors

People browse differently on desktop. Screen size, layout, session time it all changes how people consume content. Articles need to be optimized for both formats now.

How Publishers Should Prepare

Here’s what to focus on if you want your content to show up in Discover on mobile and desktop:

1. Check Your Discover Report

Head to Google Search Console and look at the Discover performance tab. See which content is already getting picked up. Are there patterns? Is your most helpful content performing well? Start there.

2. Focus on Quality

Discover favors content with strong signals of E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trust). Think expert backed articles, content with a clear byline, and information users can trust.

3. Use Big, Bold Visuals

High-quality images (at least 1200px wide) matter a lot. Articles with strong visuals tend to perform better in Discover. Make sure your visuals load fast and look sharp on large screens.

4. Keep It Fresh

Discover new and updated content. Regularly publish timely stories, but also refresh existing high-performing posts. News-style content tends to work well here.

5. Format for Desktop

Your layout matters more now. Make sure your pages are clean, easy to read, and fast-loading on desktop.

How Google’s Evolving

This move shows Google’s growing investment in content discovery, not just traditional search. Instead of just answering questions, it wants to anticipate what users might care about and surface content proactively.

That’s good for publishers who know how to create content that’s timely, relevant, and engaging.

Final Thoughts

Google Discover on desktop is rolling out and it’s a big opportunity for publishers who want to grow their traffic and reach new audiences. If you’re already optimizing for mobile. Discover, this is your signal to double down and adapt for desktop too.

How MagicBid Helps You Earn More

Google Discover for Desktop

If you’re not making the most of your ad space, you’re leaving money on the table.

MagicBid helps web, app, and CTV publishers maximize revenue with smarter ad placement and optimization tools.

  • Web Monetization: Get better ad visibility, higher engagement, and more revenue from every impression.
  • In-App Monetization: Connect with premium advertisers to effortlessly boost fill rates and eCPMs.
  • CTV Monetization: Deliver high-quality, tailored ad experiences that keep viewers engaged and advertisers paying more.

With MagicBid’s advanced ad tech and expert support, you can turn your traffic into higher earnings without the guesswork.

Connect with us now to get a free ad revenue evaluation.

Updates
Kashish

Google’s New Requirements for CTV and DOOH Ads: What Publishers Need to Know

Google’s New Requirements for CTV and DOOH Ads: What Publishers Need to Know

Google is rolling out new requirements for publishers monetizing Connected TV, CTV and Digital out-of-home, DOOH inventory with Google served ads.

These changes will take effect from 1 May 2025 and apply to all CTV and DOOH inventory running through Ad Manager, AdMob, and AdSense.

Here’s what’s changing and what you need to do to stay compliant

What Are CTV and DOOH?

  • Connected TV (CTV):  A TV used to stream video over the internet at home this includes smart TVs or TVs connected to devices like Roku or Fire TV.
  • Digital out-of-home (DOOH): Screens that display video or ads in public places like tablets in rideshare vehicles or screens in shops, lobbies, or other non-home settings.

In-stream vs Non-in-stream Placements in CTV

  • In-stream placement: An ad that plays before, during, or after streaming video, or a display ad shown alongside video content.
  • Non-in-stream placement: Ads that aren’t part of the video stream like those that appear on a video selection homepage tile or as a display ad when a video is paused.

Key Requirements for CTV and DOOH Ads

Google CTV and DOOH ad requirements

Detailed declarations and technical compliance

Your ad inventory must follow Google’s VAST ad tag URL parameters and technical specs.

Ad requests and how ads are served must be correctly configured and reported.

No Ad Requests When Screens Aren’t in Use 

Don’t serve ads when no one is watching.

For example, ads shouldn’t run if the screen is in screensaver mode, if a rideshare vehicle has no passengers, or if a business is closed.

DOOH Ads Must Show Right Away

Ads must be displayed immediately after the ad request is made. Delays can lead to compliance issues

Other Key Notes Publishers Should Know

DOOH and non-in-stream ads may have fewer ad sources. 

You might get fewer ad sources if you use non-in-stream ad placements (like ads on a paused screen or a homepage tile) or monetize DOOH inventory. 

Restricted Content

Inventory that includes content restricted under Google’s Video Inventory Restrictions could see limited monetization options.

SDK and Library Limits

You can’t use the Google Interactive Media Ads SDK or Programmatic Access Library for Interstitial or Standalone placements in CTV or DOOH unless you’re part of the official Google Beta program.

Policy and Guidelines Update

Google is making changes to the GAM Partner Guidelines by adding a new section (2.11) that covers the latest CTV and DOOH inventory requirements.

Publishers should continue to follow the current rules for VAST ad tag URL parameters, as these still apply moving forward.

Check out the Ad Manager policy change log for reference.

What Publishers Should Focus On Now

  • Inventory Setup – Make sure that your CTV and DOOH inventory specifies ad types and placements
  • Technical – Make sure your setup follows the latest VAST ad tag requirements and is properly set up.
  • When to Serve Ads – Only serve ads when a user is expected to see them no ads on idle screens.
  • Tools Check – Verify you’re not using SDKs or libraries that aren’t supported for CTV or DOOH unless you’re part of an official Google Beta.

These changes are meant to improve how ads work on CTV and DOOH, but they also mean publishers need to stay sharp.

Go over your setup before May 1, 2025, to avoid ad delivery or monetization issues.

How MagicBid Helps You Earn More

If you’re not making the most of your ad space, you’re leaving money on the table.

MagicBid helps web, app, and CTV publishers maximize revenue with smarter ad placement and optimization tools.

  • Web Monetization: Get better ad visibility, higher engagement, and more revenue from every impression.
  • In-App Monetization: Connect with premium advertisers to effortlessly boost fill rates and eCPMs.
  • CTV Monetization: Deliver high-quality, tailored ad experiences that keep viewers engaged and advertisers paying more.

With MagicBid’s advanced ad tech and expert support, you can turn your traffic into higher earnings without the guesswork.

Connect with us now to get a free ad revenue evaluation.

Updates
Kashish

Google Lifts Gambling Ad Restrictions: What Publishers Need to Know

Google Lifts Gambling Ad Restrictions: What Publishers Need to Know

After years and years, Google is finally lifting the publisher restriction on gambling partners.

By the end of March 2025, publishers in 18 countries will be allowed to run Ad Manager, AdMob, and AdSense to monetize sports books and gambling platforms

Publishers from approved countries where gambling content is allowed will have access to more revenue opportunities 

What’s Changing?

Google’s gambling policies used to be focused on where the content was created.

Now, the main focus more on where the user is located. If a user is located in an approved country, they can see gambling-related ads and content. 

Publishers still need to make sure that ads and content don’t reach users outside of approved countries

Which Countries Are Approved?

Gambling ad monetization will now be allowed in:

Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Philippines, South Korea, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom, and the United States.

What Publishers Need to Do 

Opportunities:

Publishers from 18 countries will now be able to tap into high-paying gambling advertisers through Google ad platforms 

Geo-Targeting:

Gambling-related ads must be restricted from users outside approved regions to avoid violations. 

Stay Compliant:

In order to avoid legal problems, publishers must ensure that they follow relevant regional regulations. Local gambling laws still apply.

Publishers now have access to a new market that they can use to boost ad revenue while staying compliant with Google’s policy.

Make sure your monetization strategy keeps up with the most recent changes.

How MagicBid Helps You Earn More

Google gambling ad restrictions

If you’re not making the most of your ad space, you’re leaving money on the table.

MagicBid helps web, app, and CTV publishers maximize revenue with smarter ad placement and optimization tools.

  • Web Monetization: Get better ad visibility, higher engagement, and more revenue from every impression.
  • In-App Monetization: Connect with premium advertisers to effortlessly boost fill rates and eCPMs.
  • CTV Monetization: Deliver high-quality, tailored ad experiences that keep viewers engaged and advertisers paying more.

With MagicBid’s advanced ad tech and expert support, you can turn your traffic into higher earnings without the guesswork.

Connect with us now to get a free ad revenue evaluation.

Updates
Kashish

Google’s New High-Engagement Ads Update: What Publishers Need to Know

Google High-Engagement Ads Update 2025: What Publishers Need to Know

Mobile app monetization continues to change, and delivering engaging ad experiences is crucial for both user satisfaction and revenue growth.

The high-engagement ads setting was introduced by Google Ad Manager for mobile app out-stream inventory, giving publishers more control over different ad formats to engage more users and increase overall ad performance.

Understanding High Engagement Ads

High-engagement ads are designed to be highly interactive and engaging to elevate user engagement metrics.

When this setting is turned on, it enables Google Ads and other Ad Exchange buyers to serve:

  • Interstitial Ads: Skippable no later than 12 seconds.
  • Rewarded Ads: Skippable no later than 60 seconds. The reward will be granted once the skip time is reached.
  • Ad Exit Steps: Interstitial and rewarded ads with up to three steps to exit.

By default, high-engagement ads are activated for all interstitial and rewarded inventory, excluding native or banner ad units

From March 10, 2025, the high-engagement ad setting will appear in Ad Manager so that publishers can audit settings before the official rollout on March 24, 2025.

Comparing Ad Experiences

The impact of the high-engagement ads setting can be seen below:

Enabling high-engagement ads extends the duration before users can skip ads and increase the number of steps required to exit, leading to higher ad engagement

Implementing High-Engagement Ads

By default, high-engagement ads are enabled and available on all the interstitial and rewarded inventory.

To utilize high-engagement ads for a specific inventory, turn off high-engagement ads for the selected inventory.

For the best performance from high engagement, ensure the following:

  • Has the protection “Block Non-Instream Video Ads” disabled
  • Allows skippable video ads and sets skippable video maximum duration of 60 seconds or greater
  • Allows non-skippable video ads and sets a non-skippable video maximum duration of 60 seconds or greater.

To Set Up in Google Ad Manager

  1. Sign In: Access your Google Ad Manager account.
  2. Ensure that the “Block Non-Instream Video Ads” protection option is turned off
  3. Go to Inventory then “Inventory rules”.
  4. Video Settings: Create a “New Ad Format Setting” or select one that is already existing.
  5. Select Inventory: Choose where you’d like high-engagement ads to be enabled.
  6. Select High-Engagement Ads: Ensure the “Disable High-Engagement Ads” option is unchecked.
  7. Set Video Ad Preferences:
    • Under “Skippable Video,” make sure “Block All Skippable Video Ads” remains unchecked, and the maximum duration is 60 seconds or greater.
    • Under “Non-Skippable Video,” make sure “Block All Non-Skippable Video Ads” remains unchecked, and the maximum duration is 60 seconds or greater.
  8. Save Changes

For a more detailed understanding of these configurations, refer to Google’s official site.

Disabling High-Engagement Ads

By default, high-engagement ads are enabled across all interstitial and rewarded inventory.

If you choose to disable high-engagement ads for specific inventory:

  1. Sign In: On your Google Ad Manager account.
  2. Go to Inventory: then go to “Inventory rules”
  3. Video Settings: Add “New Ad Format Setting” or select one that already exists.
  4. Select Targeting: Choose inventory where you don’t want to show high engagement ads.
  5. High Engagement Ads: Check the “Disable High-Engagement Ads” option.
  6. Save Changes

Publishers will be automatically enrolled in high-engagement ads unless they proactively disable them before March 24, 2025.

Best Practices for High-Engagement Ads

To boost the performance of high-engagement ads:

  • Monitor User Feedback: Analyze user feedback regularly to ensure experiences with ads remain positive.
  • Analyze Performance Metrics: Such as CTR, completion rate, and user retention.
  • Ad Formats: Test different ad formats and ad lengths to find what works best for your audience.

Google will inform of any updates related to the changes in the launch of high-engagement ads.

Implementing high-engagement ads properly will allow publishers to increase engagement rates and drive revenue without sacrificing user experience.

How MagicBid Helps You Earn More

Google high-engagement ads

If you’re not making the most of your ad space, you’re leaving money on the table.

MagicBid helps web, app, and CTV publishers maximize revenue with smarter ad placement and optimization tools.

  • Web Monetization: Get better ad visibility, higher engagement, and more revenue from every impression.
  • In-App Monetization: Connect with premium advertisers to boost fill rates and eCPMs effortlessly.
  • CTV Monetization: Deliver high-quality, tailored ad experiences that keep viewers engaged and advertisers paying more.

With MagicBid’s advanced ad tech and expert support, you can turn your traffic into higher earnings without the guesswork.

Connect with us now to get a free ad revenue evaluation.

Updates
Google Search Console
Kashish

Google Search Console Adds Hourly Data Export

Google Search Console Adds Hourly Data Export

Do you know Google Search Console recently unveiled a revolutionary tool for site owners and marketers? With new functionality for hourly data exports and 24-hour views, the capability to keep close tabs on a website’s performance is better now than ever almost real-time.

At the same time, this will lower data latency by 50 percent, facilitating quick and easy decisions.

In this blog, we’ll explore the key highlights of this update, why it matters, and how it can revolutionize your approach to website optimization and SEO.

Key Features of the Update

Export Data by the Hour:

The most significant change in Google Search Console is the opportunity to export data in hourly increments.

Instead of daily extraction, which could make the users wait for the service to pick up speed in addressing their problems, the new facility will surely be very rewarding for all services looking to address very recent performance tendencies.

With hourly data exports, marketers and website administrators will now have access to granular information and watch changes as they occur.

Benefits of Hourly Data Exports:

Faster Issue Detection: Find sudden dips in traffic or technical errors on your site within hours rather than waiting a day.
Conversion Optimization: Use Conversion Data to Make Sure the Background Knowledge Coordinates with the Site.
Data-Driven Decisions: Do I think the application of this lesson would enhance my activities, or will it merely serve to divert me momentarily?

Why the 24-Hour View Matters

Real time Monitoring: Keep track of the performance of your website throughout the day without having to wait for overnight reports.

Analyzing Trends: Notice time-dependent patterns, including better engagement hours.

Better Reaction Times: Response immediately to surprises such as rapid and unexpected surge/drop in traffic.

Reduced Delays in Data End

Data delays in Google Search Console have also decreased by 50%. Earlier, data could take a little longer to show up, so performance data didn’t come immediately.

This delayed the action in most cases. With this change, the time has reduced substantially, and thus, users will get fresh, updated metrics more regularly.

Benefits of Less Data Delay

The analysis is sooner: Get new data faster for quicker optimization.

Seamless Reporting: Generate reports with current metrics for stakeholders and clients.

Competitive Edge: Act on trends before competitors can.

Why This Update Is a Game-Changer

For anyone managing a website, especially in very competitive industries, timing is everything. The ability to export hourly data, along with the 24-hour view and reduced data delays, brings several advantages

Improved SEO Strategy: With this update, you can refine your SEO strategy by actually knowing the keywords and content that are currently popular as you get real-time feedback.

Smoother User Experience: With faster insights on traffic and engagement, the site administrator can easily identify technical issues and content gaps that need to be rectified.

Data Granularity: Hourly data is useful, thereby providing detailed analysis so marketers get to know the impact that a news event or a seasonal trend has on website traffic.

Use Cases Across Industries

E-commerce

Online sellers can analyze the effects of traffic coming from a flash sale or new products on customers, in real-time. If a flash sale is not doing well, the advertising strategy can be changed almost instantaneously.

Media and Publishing 

A news publisher can keep an eye on hours including hot news; in the event of a headache, they can change the stories over and allocate materials to make the audience better interact.

Digital Marketing Agencies

Multiple client agencies can utilize hourly exporting to monitor and report on their client campaigns monitoring in real time. This boosts the relations with the clients and concrete campaign performance.

Leveraging the Update in a Proper Way

Here are some practical steps for better utilizing the new features of Google Search Console:

Set Up Alerts: Be alerted when your site’s traffic has taken any long-lasting dip incongruous with the recent monthly record!

Analytics Tool Integrate with Analytics Tools-Export data based on hour that can further be taken on Google Data Studio for in-depth analysis and data visualization.

Metric Tracking of Higher Priority Click, impression average positioning, as in high traffic.

Peak hours’ analysis is carried out when your website comes across its heavy traffic hour; analyze the best-optimizing content around your peak hour.

Challenge Points

It surely has plenty to offer to benefits but while offering those also remembers some points such as Huge volumes of data exported in an hourly format can pose higher storage space needs and demand analysis tools

Increased Time: Following the performance is bound to absorb some time especially if the group size is less in number.

Steeper learning curve: Someone using Google Search Console for the first time, especially these facilities may take some time before mastering all these.

Google Search Console’s latest innovations are hourly data exports, a 24-hour view, and reduced data delays. These indicate a step closer to real-time monitoring of performance for businesses, marketers, and publishers to make better, data-driven decisions sooner in this competitive digital landscape.

This means it’s time to explore these updates if you haven’t gone through them yet. Start exporting your hourly data now and unlock the full potential of real-time insights to elevate your SEO and website performance strategies.

How MagicBid Helps You Earn MoreHow Magicbid Will Help You

If you’re not making the most of your ad space, you’re leaving money on the table. MagicBid helps web, app, and CTV publishers maximize revenue with smarter ad placement and optimization tools.

Web Monetization: Get better ad visibility, higher engagement, and more revenue from every impression.

In-App Monetization: Connect with premium advertisers to boost fill rates and eCPMs effortlessly.

CTV Monetization: Deliver high-quality, tailored ad experiences that keep viewers engaged and advertisers paying more.

With MagicBid’s advanced ad tech and expert support, you can turn your traffic into higher earnings without the guesswork. Connect with us now to get a free ad revenue evaluation.

Updates
Google’s Updated Search Quality Rater Guidelines
magicbid_marketing

Google’s Updated Search Quality Rater Guidelines: What Publishers Should Know

Google’s Updated Search Quality Rater Guidelines

Google is setting the standard for the quality of content in today’s digital world. Here, some essential updates to the Search Quality Rater Guidelines cut across, and publishers ought to be up to speed. 

The new requirements outline what Google needs to ensure in its quest to prioritize user-first content while paying attention to AI and spammer trends. So, let’s get down to what publishers need to know.  

Understanding the Changes

Google’s Search Quality Rater Guidelines have constantly been a guide through which content quality will be evaluated. The new update centers its focus more sharply on AI-generated content, better maintenance of content value, and specific strategies against spam techniques.  

1. Artificial Intelligence-Generated Content: New Definitions and Clarity

Google has recently clearly stated its position on what is and isn’t AI-generated content. 

The company further explains that only when AI tools are useful to publishers does the content deliver unique value to its users. 

What this means for publishers is that using AI in content creation is permissible; however, the content itself cannot be the repetition of something that already exists.

2. Unique Value Must Be Provided

The guidelines stipulate that however content is developed, it should address the requirements of users. AI tools could be used for content development. However, their output must come with new perspectives, solutions, or insights that publishers can derive. Google does favor user-centric experiences, so repetitive or boilerplate content would not rank highly.

3. Addressing New Types of Spam

Google just recently exposed three new spams that contravene its guidelines. If the publishers of these sites want to keep their credibility and ranking, they should not adopt any of the following techniques:

  • Expired Domain Abuse: Using a dead domain to rank higher or mislead users is also being penalized.
  • Site Reputation Abuse: Any attempt to build a false reputation or manipulate trustworthiness will be penalized.
  • Content Abuse: Massive low-quality and duplicate content creation is considered damaging.

These additions clearly show that Google is determined to put an end to all deceptive activities and reward actual publishers.

What Publishers Can Do

The new Search Quality Rater Guidelines mean that publishers must strategically change their approach to creating and managing content. Here is what you can do:

  1. Use AI Wisely: Apply AI tools for efficiency but concentrate on fresh perspectives and original ideas. 
  2. Quality Over Quantity: Avoid churning out high volumes of repetitive content. Instead, write meaningful pieces that solve user problems. 
  3. No Spamming: Stick to the best practice in SEO by focusing on obtaining credibility for the website ethically.

Why These Updates Matter

Updates of these kinds find their significance within Google’s initiative to provide improved user experiences. 

In addition, to defining AI-generated content while combating spam, Google makes the publishers shift towards value and integrity. 

To a publisher, this means that the evolution of strategy should accommodate such purposes to succeed in the digital domain. The latest Search Quality Rater Guidelines remind one to evolve their content in place of emerging user expectations. 

It means publishers have to be original, with quality content, and to be on the ethical side to move ahead in rankings. 

Once they understand and implement these updates, publishers can build sustainable credibility and provide meaningful value to their audience.

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